Politics

SNP criticism: Jeremy Corbyn has criticised the SNP’s anti-austerity agenda as being no more than a ‘headline’, claiming that the SNP has in reality a Conservative privatising agenda. Shadow Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has also criticised the SNP for their lack of progressive policies. Lesley Riddoch comments on Jeremy Corbyn’s appearance on The Andrew Marr Show (Scotsman page 1, Herald page 7, National page 4, Record page 8, Sun page 8, Express page 5, Telegraph page 5, Lesley Riddoch in the Scotsman).

Trident: Although the Trident debate has been pulled from the Labour conference agenda, Labour MPs may be given a free vote on renewing Trident, a contentious issue within the party (Scotsman page 4, Herald page 1, National page 5, Record page 8, FT page 2, Express page 5, Guardian page 1).

Indyref:David Torrance in the Herald draws parallels between Catalonia and Scotland. Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn has announced that he will not stand alongside David Cameron in a potential second referendum, but will support Kezia Dugdale (Times page 9).

Trading standards system: Experts have warned of the lack of resources and expertise in trading standards units, which has weakened trading standards enforcement and has put consumers at risk of being exploited by rogue traders. David Leask traces the recent history of trading standards (Herald page 1, David Leask in the Herald).

Waste recycling: Recycling rates in Scotland have reached their lowest level in seven years, while Zero Waste Scotland has launched a consultation on the circular economy (Herald page 5).

Scottish power: A recent league table of energy supplier complaints placed Scottish Power at the bottom of the list, with 20 times more complaints per 100,000 customers than the first one on the list (Herald page 11, Sun page 10).

GM crops: Cate Devine in the Herald comments on the SNP’s ban on growing GM crops.

TTIP: A Commons motion raising major concerns about the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) has been recently signed by all 56 SNP MPs, as well as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his shadow chancellor John McDonnell (National page 6).

Labour: Shadow culture secretary Michael Dugher has criticised Jeremy Corbyn’s defence of mandatory reselection and of new Labour supporters having a say over party policy. Meanwhile, Harriet Harman has pointed out the shortage of women in top jobs in the party (Sunday Times page 1, Times page 1, Sun page 8).

Scotland Bill: Labour MP Ian Murray has warned the SNP of the negative consequences of rejecting the new powers being offered to Holyrood. Andrew Nicoll writes on the key importance of the upcoming Bill in the current political context (Times page 9, Andrew Nicoll in the Scottish Sun).

Economy

Economic recovery: A recent report by the Bank of Scotland showed economic recovery from a slow start to the year, with growth forecast for the rest of the year (National page 12, Sun page 2, Express page 2).

North Sea oil: Government adviser Sir Ian Wood has warned of the long-term decreasing oil revenues and the necessity to prepare for life without oil in Britain, while George Osborne has announced a series of tax breaks for the industry (FT page 4).

Health

E-cigarettes: A survey commissioned by the Scottish government has found that 16 per cent of secondary school pupils questioned had used an e-cigarette, while the forthcoming Health Bill proposes a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes to under-18s (Herald page 12, National page 12).

Education

Edinburgh University: A recent economic impact study by BiGGAR Economics has found that the University of Edinburgh generates £2 billion every year for the Scottish economy, while supporting more than 30,000 jobs across the country (Scotsman page 6, Herald page 3, National page 7).

College mergers: Holyrood’s Public Audit Committee has questioned Scottish Government claims about £50million of savings associated with college mergers to cut costs (Scotsman page 7, Herald page 4).

Reform Scotland

Reform Scotland is a think tank which aims to inform and influence policy debate through robust research, the publication of reports and briefings and by arranging lectures and seminars. It is a charity, independent of any political party, and is funded by donations from individuals, charitable trusts and corporate organisations.